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Queensland Reds co-captain Liam Wright and lock Seru Uru will return to face the Western Force at Suncorp Stadium.
Uru and Wright are the two changes to the Reds XV who beat Moana Pasifika a fortnight ago, with Jordan Petaia moving to fullback and Jock Campbell to the wing in a reshuffled backline.
George Blake is set for a Queensland and Super Rugby Pacific debut off the bench.
Uru’s return from concussion sees him start alongside Connor Vest at lock, while Wright will reprise his combination with the Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson who re-signed with the Reds through 2025 today.
Co-captain Tate McDermott again partners Lawson Creighton in the halves, with James O’Connor and Josh Flook starting in the midfield.
Tate McDermott of the Reds is tackled by Bryce Heem of the Blues during the round 13 Super Rugby Pacific match between the Blues and the Queensland Reds at Eden Park on May 14, 2022 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Blake will potentially debut off the bench, with Filipo Daugunu also returning to the side as a finisher.
Force coach Simon Cron has made three changes to his starting side from the one that beat the Highlanders at home.
All three are injury related, with Test loosehead prop Tom Robertson ruled out with a calf strain, flanker Ollie Callan a neck issue and Toni Pulu concussion.
The 118kg loosehead prop replaces Robertson in the No.1 jersey while returning Force openside flanker Carlo Tizzano makes a welcomed return in the No.7 jersey, three years after leaving the club.
Former England sevens flyer Zach Kibirige also makes a timely return after missing last week’s win and slots in for Pulu.
The other key change sees Gareth Simpson return via the bench, with the halfback missing the past two games. He replaces Ian Prior.
Reds (1-15): Sef Fa’agase, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Connor Vest, Seru Uru, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Lawson Creighton, Jock Campbell, James O’Connor, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jordan Petaia.
Replacements: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Peni Ravai, Ryan Smith, Jake Upfield, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu.
Force: (1-15): Charlie Hancock, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Felix Kalapu, Jeremy Williams, Tim Anstee, Carlo Tizzano, Michael Wells (c), Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Bryce Hegarty, Manasa Mataele, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Zach Kibirige, Chase Tiatia.
Replacements: Feleti Kaitu’u, Marley Pearce, Siosifa Amone, Ryan McCauley, Rahboni Vosayaco, Gareth Simpson, Bayley Kuenzle, George Poolman.
Referee: Reuben Keane.
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Originally Posted by Leo86
